One thing to be sure is that is was more possible the farther one goes back in time and less likely, enforcers aside, once the European explosion hit full force say in the early 90's till today.

Ya thats true enough. John Ferguson didnt learn how to skate until the age of 12. Had a growth spurt at like 15/16 or so to 5'11", then moved from Vancouver to Melville Saskatchewan where he played Jr. for 3yrs, playing 8 seasons for Montreal starting in 63 & winning 5 cups. Toughest guy in the league during that time, but he could play as well. Quit early because he felt he could possibly do some real damage to someone sometime, though at the time publicly he claimed he had "business opportunities" he wanted to pursue.